Brahms - Sonatas For Violin with Piano Accompaniment Urtext Book

Johannes Brahms - Sonatas For Violin with Piano Accompaniment Urtext Book

This comprehensive Urtext edition offers a detailed exploration of Johannes Brahms' significant contributions to the violin sonata genre. Brahms’ early involvement with the genre began in 1853 with a sonata in A minor, which, like many of his early works, was later discarded by the composer due to his self-critical nature. Therefore, his Sonata in G major, Op. 78, composed in 1878/79, is recognized as his first official contribution. Known as the "Regenlied Sonata" or "Rain Song Sonata," it includes motifs from one of his own songs in the finale, which adds a deeply lyrical quality to the piece.

During the summer of 1886, Brahms composed two additional sonatas, Op. 100 and Op. 108, almost simultaneously. These works, along with Op. 78, are now staples in the violin repertoire, celebrated for their rich thematic material and emotional depth.

Additionally, this volume includes the Scherzo in C minor from the collaborative "F.A.E. Sonata," which Brahms wrote with Robert Schumann and Albert Dietrich for the violinist Joseph Joachim. Known for its dramatic contrasts and technical demands, this piece has become a favorite encore and bravura piece among violinists.

The current edition is based on the New Brahms Complete Edition, providing a musical text and commentary meticulously revised according to the latest scholarly research. With fingering contributions by renowned artists Frank Peter Zimmermann and Martin Helmchen, this 202-page book offers violinists and pianists a definitive guide to mastering these essential works with historical and practical insights.

Pieces Include:

• Brahms: Sonatensatz (Scherzo from the F.A.E. sonata), WoO 2
• Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 1 in G major, Op. 78
• Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 100
• Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108

Who was Johannes Brahms?

Johannes Brahms was a pivotal figure in the history of classical music, renowned for his rich contributions across various musical forms. Born in Hamburg, Germany in 1833, Brahms was a composer and pianist whose works spanned from chamber music and piano compositions to choral pieces and songs, including folk-song settings. He also composed significant orchestral works during the 1870s and 1880s. 

Brahms' music is distinguished by its use of developing variation—a method that involves evolving themes over the course of a piece. This technique showcases his complex and thoughtful approach to composition. Brahms is often seen as a conservative counterpoint to the more radical inclinations of the New German School led by Franz Liszt, embodying a dedication to "absolute" music—music that exists for its own sake without extramusical narrative or external program.

His steadfast commitment to the structures and sensibilities of classical tradition, blended with innovative harmonies and motifs, positioned him as a bridge between the classical and romantic periods in music. Brahms' legacy is marked not only by his adherence to classical forms but also by his ability to infuse those forms with a deep, emotional expressiveness, earning him a lasting place among the most revered composers of the 19th century.